Fall 2025 Fashion Forecast: Straight From the Streets of NYFW
As many of you know, fall in NYC is my favorite time of year. Not just because the city streets are painted in hues of orange, amber, and yellow, or because the skies turn that perfect shade of pink-crimson at sunset—but because Fashion Month has commenced, and the energy is absolutely electric.
This season, there’s a shift happening. For years, athleisure dominated wardrobes, slipping seamlessly from gym attire to Zoom calls and even into the office. We saw Stephen Meisel bring his signature magic to Alo campaigns, and fashion houses tapped into stretchy comfort like never before. But the tides are turning. With fresh creative direction at houses like Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Celine, and Gucci, the industry is pivoting back to tailored sophistication, playful styling, and a revival of classics—with just enough edge to keep things interesting.
So, what does this mean for your fall wardrobe? Let’s break down the trends you need to know—what to wear, and what to consign from your walk-in closet this season.
Image via Chanel
1. Collegiate Curiosity
Prep school is back in session. Think ties, pleated minis, and knee-high socks for a polished yet playful spin. It’s Ivy League with a rebellious streak—an echo of Gossip Girl, but sharper.
Pro tip: Try layering a skinny tie over a crisp button-down, then toss on an oversized blazer. Knee-high socks with chunky loafers? A street-style goldmine.
Image via Gucci
2. The Bigger, the Better: Oversized Bags
Mini bags may have had their moment, but fall is all about functional chic. The Row’s Margaux stole the spotlight, styled and scrunched as a clutch for an effortless, luxe vibe.
Pro tip: Swap your micro mini for a slouchy tote or structured oversized carryall. It’s both practical and polished—a quiet luxury essential.
Image via Celine
3. Sharp-Shouldered Power
The 80s are alive and thriving. Oversized tuxedo jackets and razor-sharp shoulders à la Celine redefine power dressing.
Pro tip: Balance volume with proportion. Pair your power blazer with slim trousers or even a leather mini for an edge that says CEO by day, club kid by night.
Image via Kiki De Montparnasse
4. Exposed Intimates
Transparency is still trending. Designers played with sheer slips, chiffon overlays, and peek-a-boo knits, layering them over opaque underpinnings for a balance of sensuality and sophistication.
Pro tip: Layer a sheer dress over a tonal slip, then top it with an oversized knit. Add ballet flats for balance, and finish with a leather jacket draped over your shoulders.
Image via Gucci
5. Leather Reloaded
Leather is no longer reserved for biker jackets. This season, it’s tailored into trenches, skirts, and exaggerated trousers. At Gucci, sleek leather sets took center stage, while Bottega elevated the texture into sculptural silhouettes.
Pro tip: Consider a leather midi skirt or an oversized leather jacket as your statement piece. Think beyond black—rich browns and deep oxblood are leading the palette.
6. Crimson Crush (and Beyond)
Image via Tamara Kalinic
Red still reigns, but it’s evolving. From fiery cherry tones to moody burgundies, darker reds are defining the season with sensual depth. Beyond crimson, the runways also spotlighted sky blue button-downs at Prada and Miu Miu—an unexpected, versatile staple—and powder pink paired with chocolate brown for a fresh neutral update.
Pro tip: If head-to-toe feels daunting, start with accents—a wine-colored handbag, a powder pink knit layered under a blazer, or a sky-blue button-down tucked into tailored trousers.
Image via Miu Miu
7. Elevated Everyday: Luxe Knits
Cozy gets a couture upgrade this season. Think exaggerated turtlenecks, floor-grazing sweater dresses, and layered textures in cashmere, mohair, and wool blends. It’s off-duty comfort, redefined.
Pro tip: Oversized knit dresses paired with knee-high boots give you instant polish without sacrificing comfort.
Image via Gucci
8. Step Into Equestrian Boots
Tall riding boots and ankle-height equestrian styles are back—some with hardware detailing, others with cutout accents for a modern spin. It’s heritage luxury with a practical, everyday edge.
Pro tip: Style them over skinny trousers or under flowy dresses for a look that’s both timeless and on-trend.
9. Archival & Vintage
Nostalgia is taking center stage. Designers are pulling from the archives with scarf prints, polka dots, and retro silhouettes. It’s a wink to the past, styled for the present.
Pro tip: Mix one archival-inspired piece (like a polka dot blouse) with modern tailoring to avoid feeling too literal.
Image via Celine
10. Modern Poplin
The humble cotton poplin dress has been reinvented with exaggerated sleeves, crisp tailoring, and shirt-dress silhouettes. It’s polished minimalism at its finest.
Pro tip: Layer an oversized poplin shirt under a tailored blazer, cuff the sleeves to let the shirt peek through, and pair it with ballet flats for ease - or add skinny jeans and structured boots for a look that bridges office and off-duty.
Image via Chloè
11. Boho Chic Redux
The boho spirit carries forward into Fall 2025, but with a refined touch. Flowing fabrics, earthy tones, and relaxed silhouettes channel effortless femininity—epitomized by the modern boho elegance seen on the Chloé runway.
Pro tip: Anchor boho silhouettes with structured accessories—like a tailored blazer or leather belt—to strike balance.
The Takeaway
Fall 2025 is about duality: prep meets power, heritage meets modern tailoring, and cozy textures meet bold, sensual color. After years of relaxed athleisure, fashion is embracing structure, nostalgia, and intention—yet always with a twist.
So as the leaves turn and the city streets glow crimson at sunset, let your wardrobe glow with it—layered, elevated, and infinitely more intentional.